Flexible drive shaft for greeting cards and the like

ABSTRACT

A greeting card having mechanically actuated moving portions is provided. The greeting card may include a panel having one or more folds, one or more flexible drive shafts coupled to the panel and having a flipping or moving portion, and a decorative portion coupled to at least one of the panel and the flipping or moving portion. Each flexible drive shaft may be coupled to the panel such that a portion is positioned on a first side of the fold and a portion is positioned on a second side of the fold. When the greeting card is opened, a moment arm is created in the flexible drive shaft which causes the flipping or moving portion to move from a first position to a second position. The decorative portion may move in response to the flipping or moving portion moving from the first position to the second position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, pendingU.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 15/398,524 (Attorney Docket No.HALC.254546), filed Jan. 4, 2017, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety for any and all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to movement mechanisms. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates generally to movementmechanisms in products that contain two hinged planes that move towardand away from one another, for example greeting cards, books,invitations, boxes, and other objects with flaps.

BACKGROUND

Technology may be added to a greeting card or the like to make acompelling event occur (for example, mechanical movement of a decorativeelement) when a consumer interacts with the greeting card or similarobject. It would be desirable that only a minimal amount of interactionbe necessary to cause the compelling event. For example, it would bedesirable for the compelling event to occur in response to the consumeropening and/or closing the greeting card or other object. Historically,movement has been provided in greeting cards via paper mechanics andelectronically driven items. It would be desirable to have an alternatemeans of providing movement. It would also be desirable to create thecompelling event anywhere within the greeting card, not just limited toa portion of the inside surface of the greeting card.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the detaileddescription section. This summary is not intended to identify keyfeatures or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is itintended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimedsubject matter. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a flexible driveshaft for a greeting card or other object and may be used, for instance,to create an unexpected and compelling event when a consumer opens thegreeting card. Aspects described herein provide for a greeting card thatincludes a decorative portion mechanically driven by a flexible driveshaft that in turn harnesses the work input by the consumer in openingthe greeting card. Further, the flexibility of the flexible drive shaftpermits the decorative portion to be positioned anywhere on a surface ofthe greeting card or even in an attachment or “pop-out” on a greetingcard. The flexible driveshaft can also have portions positioned abovethe plane of the greeting card, using the wire of the flexibledriveshaft to suspend an object above the plane of the greeting card,thereby simulating a rotating or flipping object floating in air.

In one aspect, a greeting card having mechanically actuated movingportions may comprise a panel having at least a first subpanel and asecond subpanel. The first subpanel and the second subpanel may beseparated by a fold in the panel. The second subpanel may have one ormore openings formed therein. The greeting card may further comprise oneor more flexible drive shafts, each having a first end, a second end,and a flipping portion between the first end and the second end. Each ofthe one or more flexible drive shafts may be coupled to the panel. Eachof the first ends may be positioned on the first subpanel side of thefold and each second end may be positioned on the second subpanel sideof the fold. The flipping portion of each of the flexible drive shaftsmay extend through the one or more openings in the second subpanel andmay be configured to move between a first position and a second positionwhen the greeting card is opened. A decorative portion may be affixed toat least one of the second subpanel and coupled with one or more of theflipping portions. The decorative portion may be configured to move inresponse to the flipping portion moving from the first position to thesecond position.

In another aspect, a flexible drive shaft for a greeting card having atleast a first subpanel separated from a second subpanel by a fold mayinclude a first end, a second end, a fixed bend in the flexible driveshaft between the first end and the second end, and a plurality ofsegments between the first end and the second end. The plurality ofsegments may include a first segment extending from the first end to thefixed bend and coupled to the first subpanel. The plurality of segmentsmay further include a second segment extending from the fixed bend to afirst opening in the second subpanel. The plurality of segments may alsoinclude a third segment extending from the first opening to the secondend. The third segment may comprise a flipping portion configured tomove from a first position when the greeting card is closed to a secondposition when the greeting card is open. The third segment may alsocomprise an end portion wherein the flipping portion extends from thefirst opening to a second opening in the second subpanel, and whereinthe end portion extends from the second opening to the second end.

In yet another aspect, a greeting card may comprise a panel foldedacross a fold line to define a first subpanel and a second subpanel andmay also include a flexible drive shaft having a first end, a secondend, and a plurality of segments between the first end and the secondend. The flexible drive shaft may be coupled to the panel. The pluralityof segments may include a first segment extending from the first end toa first slot opening in the second subpanel. The plurality of segmentsmay further include a second segment extending through the first slotopening to a first apex and from the first apex back through the firstslot opening. A third segment may extend from the first slot opening toa first fixed bend in the flexible drive shaft. A fourth segment mayextend from the first fixed bend to a second fixed bend, and the fourthsegment may be positioned on the first subpanel side of the fold line.Alternatively, the fourth segment may extend from the first fixed bendto a position on the first subpanel side of the fold line. The pluralityof segments may further comprise a reciprocal fifth segment, sixthsegment, and seventh segment that are the mirror image of the thirdsegment, the second segment, and the first segment, respectively. Thefifth segment may extend from the second fixed bend to a second slotopening in the second subpanel. The sixth segment may extend through thesecond slot opening to a second apex and from the second apex backthrough the second slot opening. The seventh segment may extend from thesecond slot opening to the second end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is explained in more detail below with referenceto the embodiments illustrated in the attached drawing figures, in whichlike reference numerals denote like elements, in which FIGS. 1-18illustrate but four possible embodiments of the present invention, andin which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a greeting card in a closedposition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is the greeting card of FIG. 1, with a portion of a front panelpartially cut away to illustrate a decorative portion normally concealedthere beneath;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the greeting card of FIG. 1, butwith the greeting card in an open position;

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the external surfaces of the greetingcard of FIG. 1 in an unassembled position;

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the internal surfaces of the greetingcard of FIG. 1 in an unassembled position;

FIG. 6 is the greeting card of FIG. 5, but with the middle two panelsfolded together;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the greeting card of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of a greeting card in a closedposition, in accordance with a second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is an elevation view of an interior spread of the greeting cardof FIG. 8 in an open position;

FIG. 10 is an elevation view of the internal surfaces of the greetingcard of FIG. 8 in an unassembled position;

FIG. 11 is the greeting card of FIG. 10, but with the middle two panelsfolded together;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of greeting card in a closedposition, with a portion of a front portion partially cut away forclarity, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an elevation view of an interior spread of the greeting cardof FIG. 12 in an open position;

FIG. 14 is a rear elevation view of the greeting card of FIG. 12 in aclosed position;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a greeting card in a closedposition, with a portion of a front portion partially cut away forclarity, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 16 is an elevation view of the greeting card of FIG. 15 in an openposition;

FIG. 17 is a rear elevation view of an interior spread of the greetingcard of FIG. 15 in a closed position;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the greeting card of FIG. 16in the area 18; and

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of a greeting card in an openposition in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the present invention is described withspecificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, thedescription itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent.Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject mattermight also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or acombination of steps similar to the ones described in this document, inconjunction with other present or future technologies.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a flexible driveshaft for a greeting card and may be used, for instance, to create anunexpected and compelling event when a consumer opens the greeting card.Aspects herein provide for a greeting card that includes a decorativeportion mechanically driven by a flexible drive shaft that in turnharnesses the work input of a consumer in opening the greeting card.Further, the flexibility of the flexible drive shaft permits thedecorative portion to be positioned anywhere on a surface of thegreeting card.

In one aspect, a greeting card having mechanically actuated movingportions may include a panel having at least a first subpanel and asecond subpanel. The first subpanel and the second subpanel may beseparated by a fold in the panel. The second subpanel may have one ormore openings formed therein. The greeting card may further include oneor more flexible drive shafts, each having a first end, a second end,and a flipping portion between the first and second ends. Each of theone or more flexible drive shafts may be coupled to the panel. Each ofthe first ends may be positioned on the first subpanel side of the foldand each second ends may be positioned on the second subpanel side ofthe fold. The flipping portions of each of the flexible drive shafts mayextend through the one or more openings in the second subpanel and maybe configured to move from a first position to a second position whenthe greeting card is opened. A decorative portion may be affixed to atleast one of the second subpanel and one or more of the flippingportions. The decorative portion may be configured to move in responseto the flipping portion moving from the first position to the secondposition.

In another aspect, a flexible drive shaft for a greeting card having atleast a first subpanel separated from a second subpanel by a fold mayinclude a first end, a second end, a fixed bend in the flexible driveshaft between the first end and the second end, and a plurality ofsegments between the first end and the second end. The plurality ofsegments may include a first segment extending from the first end to thefixed bend and coupled to the first subpanel. The plurality of segmentsmay further include a second segment extending from the fixed bend to afirst opening in the second subpanel. The plurality of segments may alsoinclude a third segment extending from the first opening to the secondend. The third segment may comprise a flipping portion configured tomove from a first position when the greeting card is closed to a secondposition when the greeting card is open. The third segment may alsocomprise an end portion, wherein the flipping portion extends from thefirst opening to a second opening in the second subpanel, and whereinthe end portion extends from the second opening to the second end.

In yet another aspect, a greeting card may comprise a panel foldedacross a fold line to define a first subpanel and a second subpanel andmay also include a flexible drive shaft having a first end, a secondend, and a plurality of segments between the first end and the secondend. The flexible drive shaft may be coupled to the panel. The pluralityof segments may include a first segment extending from the first end toa first slot opening in the second subpanel. The plurality of segmentsmay further include a second segment extending through the first slotopening to a first apex and from the first apex back through the firstslot opening. A third segment may extend from the first slot opening toa first fixed bend in the flexible drive shaft. A fourth segment mayextend from the first fixed bend to a second fixed bend, and the fourthsegment may be positioned on the first subpanel side of the fold line.Alternatively, the fourth segment may extend from the first fixed bendto a position on the first subpanel side of the fold line. The pluralityof segments may further comprise a reciprocal fifth segment, sixthsegment, and seventh segment that are the mirror image of the thirdsegment, the second segment, and the first segment, respectively. Thefifth segment may extend from the second fixed bend to a second slotopening in the second subpanel. The sixth segment may extend through thesecond slot opening to a second apex and from the second apex backthrough the second slot opening. The seventh segment may extend from thesecond slot opening to the second end.

Referring now to the drawings in more detail, wherein like referencecharacters designate like parts throughout the different views, andinitially to FIGS. 1-7, a greeting card 1 having one or more flexibledrive shafts 20 is depicted, in accordance with a first embodiment ofthe present invention. The greeting card 1 includes a panel 10, one ormore flexible drive shafts 20 coupled to the panel 10 and each having aflipping portion 30, and a decorative portion 16. In some embodiments,the greeting card 1 may further include a cover (not shown).

The panel 10 may include two or more subpanels and at least one fold.For example, the panel 10 may include a first subpanel 12 a and a secondsubpanel 12 b separated from one another by a first fold 14 a. Someembodiments of the panel 10 may include additional subpanels to hidenon-aesthetic portions of the greeting card 1 from view, such as theillustrated embodiment. The illustrated panel 10 includes the firstsubpanel 12 a, the second subpanel 12 b, a third subpanel 12 c, and afourth subpanel 12 d. As seen in FIG. 4, the third subpanel 12 c may bepositioned adjacent the first subpanel 12 a across a second fold 14 band opposite the second subpanel 12 b. Similarly, the fourth subpanel 12d may be positioned adjacent the third subpanel 12 c across a third foldline 14 c. In the illustrated embodiment, the first subpanel 12 a andthe third subpanel 12 c are positioned between the fourth subpanel 12 dand the second subpanel 12 b.

Each of the greeting card 1 and the panel 10 may have a folded positionand an unfolded position. In some aspects, the folded position of thegreeting card 1 (shown in FIG. 1) may correspond to the folded positionof the panel 10 (shown in FIG. 1). In other aspects, the unfoldedposition of the greeting card 1 (shown in FIG. 3) may correspond to asecond folded position of the panel 10 (shown in FIG. 3). In furtheraspects, the unfolded position of the greeting card 1 (shown in FIG. 3)may not correspond to the unfolded position of the panel 10 (shown inFIG. 4). In aspects wherein the panel 10 includes only two subpanels(not shown), the folded positions and unfolded positions of the greetingcard 1 and the panel 10 may be the same.

The folded position of the greeting card 1 may have an interior portionand an exterior portion. The interior portion of the greeting card 1 maybe obscured from view when the greeting card 1 is in the folded position(i.e., closed) and may be exposed when the greeting card 1 is in theunfolded position (i.e., open).

The panel 10 has an external surface 44 (shown in FIG. 4) and aninternal surface 46 (shown in FIG. 5). In some embodiments, the externalsurface 44 may be viewed when the greeting card 1 is in either thefolded position or unfolded position, and the internal surface 46 may beviewed only when the panel 10 is in the unfolded position. In otherembodiments, such as where the panel 10 has only two subpanels, theexternal surface 44 may comprise the interior portion of the greetingcard 1 and the internal surface 46 may comprise the external portion ofthe greeting card 1. In still further embodiments where the panel 10 hasonly two subpanels, the cover may be affixed to the internal surface 46to obscure the internal surface 46 and any internal components of thegreeting card 1 (such as the one or more flexible drive shafts 20) fromview.

Returning to FIG. 1, the panel 10 may include one or more windows 18 forviewing the interior portion of the greeting card 1 when the greetingcard 1 is in the folded position. For example, the first subpanel 12 aand the third subpanel 12 c may each include a window 18 through whichan interior portion of the greeting card 1 (such as part of thedecorative portion 16) may be viewed.

The decorative portion 16 may be affixed to the panel 10. For example,the decorative portion 16 may be affixed to the second subpanel 12 b. Inother embodiments, the decorative portion 16 may be positioned proximateto the second subpanel 12 b. For example, and as further describedbelow, the decorative portion 16 may be affixed to the one or moreflexible drive shafts 20 at the flipping portion 30.

Referring to FIG. 5, the greeting card 1 may include one or moreflexible drive shafts 20. For example, the illustrated aspect includesthree flexible drive shafts 80. The flexible drive shafts 20 maycomprise any material that is flexible, that can rotate, that cantransfer torque, and that can fit within a greeting card. For example,spring wire may be used to form the flexible drive shafts 20. Each ofthe flexible drive shafts 20 may include a first end 22 opposite asecond end 24, a flipping portion 30 between the first end 22 and thesecond end 24, and at least one fixed bend 26.

The at least one fixed bend 26 may be positioned proximate to the firstfold 14 a. From the at least one fixed bend 26, each of the flexibledrive shafts 20 may extend towards the first end 22 adjacent the firstsubpanel 12 a. Similarly, from the at least one fixed bend 26, each ofthe flexible drive shafts 20 may extend towards the second end 24adjacent the second subpanel 12 b. Hence, when the greeting card 1 is inthe folded position each of the one or more flexible drive shafts 20 maywrap around the first fold 14 a. When the greeting card 1 moves from itsfolded position to its unfolded position (i.e., when it is opened), amoment arm is created about the at least one fixed bend 26.

Each of the one or more flexible drive shafts 20 may include a pluralityof segments. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, eachof the one or more flexible drive shafts 20 may include a first segment36 that extends from the first end 22 to the at least one fixed bend 26.The plurality of segments may also include a second segment 38 thatextends from the at least fixed bend 26 to an opening 28 formed throughthe second subpanel 12 b. The opening 28 may comprise a slot, such as inthe illustrated embodiment. The opening 28 may also comprise a pair ofapertures. The plurality of segments may also include a third segment 40that extends from the opening 28 to the second end 24.

In some aspects, the third segment 40 may include the flipping portion30. In further aspects, the third segment 40 may include the flippingportion 30, which extends and returns through the opening 28, and an endportion 42 that extends from the opening 28 to the second end 24. Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, each flipping portion30 may extend through the opening 28 to an apex 29 and return backthrough the opening 28, and the end portion 42 may extend from theopening 28 to the second end 24. In some aspects, each of the one ormore flexible drive shafts 20 may extend along the internal surface 46of the panel 10 except for the flipping portion 30 that may extend alongthe external surface 44 of the panel 10. In other aspects, each of theone or more flexible drive shafts 20 may extend along the internalsurface 46 of the panel 10 except for the third segment 40 that mayextend along the external surface 44 of the panel 10. In this manner,all but the flipping portion 30 or the third segment 40 may be obscuredfrom view when the panel 10 is in the folded position (shown in FIG. 1)or the second folded position (shown in FIG. 3).

The flipping portion 30 may comprise a flexed segment of each of the oneor more drive shafts 20 that extends through the opening 28. In someaspects, the flipping portion 30 may comprise a bent segment of each ofthe one or more drive shafts 20 that extends through the opening 28. Inone aspect, the bent segment of the flipping portion 30 may comprise afirst bend that turns the flexible drive shaft 20 through the opening28. The bent segment may extend from the first bend to the apex 29before returning to the opening 28 to a second bend. The second bend mayturn the flexible drive shaft 20 back through the opening 28. Each ofthe first bend and the second bend may help couple the flexible driveshaft 20 to the panel 10. For example, the flipping portion 30 may beflexed by the opening 28 such that the flipping portion 30 pressesagainst the edges of the opening 28.

The decorative portion 16 may be coupled to the panel 10, at least oneflipping portion 30, or both the panel 10 and the at least one flippingportion 30. The flipping portion 30 may communicate its mechanicalenergy to the decorative portion 16 causing the decorative portion 16 tomove as the greeting card 1 is unfolded.

The one or more flexible drive shafts 20 may be coupled to the panel 10at the first subpanel 12 a and the second subpanel 12 b. For example,the one or more flexible drive shafts 20 may be secured to the firstsubpanel 12 a by a retaining panel 32. The retaining panel 32 mayinclude one or more retaining panel openings 34. Each of the one or moreflexible drive shafts 20 may be threaded through the one or moreretaining panel openings 34 to permit the one or more flexible driveshafts 20 to freely rotate while secured to the first subpanel 12 a.

When the greeting card 1 is moved from its folded position (as shown inFIG. 1) to its unfolded position (as shown in FIG. 3), a moment arm iscreated in each of the one or more flexible drive shafts 20 between thefirst end 22 and the one or more fixed bends 26. The second segment 38and the third segment 40 remain in position while the greeting card 1 isopened until the moment arm generates enough force to overcome thefrictional forces holding the second segment 38 and the third segment 40in position. When the moment arm increases to the point that it willovercome these frictional forces, the one or more flexible drive shaftsattempt to rotate and/or straighten out, which results in the flippingportion 30 moving from a first position (as illustrated in FIG. 6) to asecond position (as illustrated in FIG. 5).

Referring to FIGS. 2-3, moving the flipping portion 30 from the firstposition to the second position causes the decorative portion 16 tomove. For example, as the greeting card 1 is opened and the flippingportion 30 moves between the first position (shown in FIG. 2) and thesecond position (shown in FIG. 3), the decorative portion 16 moves inresponse to cause a compelling event to occur.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the panel 10 may be folded at the first fold 14a, the second fold 14 b, and the third fold 14 c. In some aspects, theone or more flexible drive shafts 20 may be positioned substantiallyalong the internal surface 46 of the panel 10. Folding the greeting card1 along each of these folds may result in the external surface 44 of thepanel 10 being observable by a consumer while obscuring the internalsurface 46 and the one or more flexible drive shafts 20 from view.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-11, another embodiment of a greeting card 101having one or more flexible drive shafts 120 in accordance with thepresent invention is depicted. The greeting card 101 includes a panel110, the one or more flexible drive shafts 120 coupled to the panel 110and each having a flipping portion 130 (FIG. 11) and a decorativeportion 116. The greeting card 101 has a folded position (shown in FIG.8) and an unfolded position (shown in FIG. 9). The panel 110 hasmultiple folded positions (such as those shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 11)and an unfolded position (shown in FIG. 10).

The greeting card 101 may include many of the same features as thegreeting card 1 (discussed above in reference to FIGS. 1-7). Forexample, the greeting card 101 may include a panel 110 having multiplesubpanels each separated by a fold. Referring to FIG. 10, the panel 110includes a first subpanel 112 a, a second subpanel 112 b, a thirdsubpanel 112 c, a fourth subpanel 112 d, and a fifth subpanel 112 e.Each of the subpanels are separated by a fold. For example, the firstsubpanel 112 a is separated from the second subpanel 112 b by a firstfold 114 a. The illustrated panel 110 includes four folds, including thefirst fold 114 a, a second fold 114 b between the first subpanel 112 aand the third subpanel 112 c, a third fold 114 c between the thirdsubpanel 112 c and the fourth subpanel 112 d, and a fourth fold 114 dbetween the second subpanel 112 b and the fifth subpanel 112 e. In someaspects, the subpanels may not be integral to the panel 110, but areeach affixed to one another to form the panel 110 in a manner permittingeach to fold over an adjacent subpanel.

As best seen in FIG. 11, the one or more flexible drive shafts 120include a first end 122 opposite a second end 124 and include aplurality of segments there-between. The plurality of segments mayinclude a first segment 136 extending from the first end 122 to a fixedbend 126, a second segment 138 extending from the fixed bend 126 to apair of openings 128, and a third segment 140 extending from the pair ofopenings 128 to the second end 124. The third segment 140 may comprisethe flipping portion 130.

Referring to FIG. 10, the one or more flexible drive shafts 120 arecoupled to the panel 110 such that the fixed bend 126 is proximate thefirst fold 114 a. In the illustrated embodiment, the first segment 136is coupled to the first subpanel 112 a such that the first end 122 ispositioned on the first subpanel side of the first fold 114 a. In onepossible arrangement, one or more of the second segment 138 and thethird segment 140 are coupled to the second subpanel 112 b such that thesecond end 124 is positioned on the second subpanel side of the firstfold 114 a. In yet another possible arrangement, one or more of thesecond segment 138 and the third segment 140 may be coupled to the fifthsubpanel 112 e such that the second end 124 is positioned on the secondsubpanel side of the first fold 114 a.

In the illustrated embodiment the first segment 136 is coupled to thefirst subpanel 112 a by a retaining panel 132. In some aspects theretaining panel 132 may include retaining panel openings 134. The firstsegment 136 is threaded through the retaining panel openings 134 suchthat the first segment 136 is held against the first subpanel 112 a butmay twist within the retaining panel openings 134. The second segment138 may be coupled to the fifth subpanel 112 e at one or more tabs 148.The one or more tabs 148 may be formed by making incisions in the fifthsubpanel 112 e. A portion of the second segment 138 is received withinthe one or more tabs 148 and becomes coupled to the fifth subpanel 112 eby sliding the second segment 138 under the tab 148. The portion of thesecond segment 138 received by the tab 148 may be seen on the oppositeside of the subpanel. The third segment 140 is then coupled to the fifthsubpanel 112 e at the pair of openings 128. The third segment 140 may bereceived in the pair of openings 128 by threading the third segment 140therethrough. A portion of the third segment 140 received by the pair ofopenings 128 may be seen on the opposite side of the subpanel.

In order to obscure the portion of the second segment 138 and/or theportion of the third segment 140 that may be seen on the opposite sideof the subpanel, the second subpanel 112 b is provided. In theillustrated embodiment, the fifth subpanel 112 e is adjacent to thesecond subpanel 112 b and is separated by the fourth fold 114 d and, inFIG. 10, the second subpanel 112 b is behind the fifth subpanel 112 e.In some aspects, rather than the second segment 138 and/or the thirdsegment 140 being coupled to the fifth subpanel 112 e, such segments maybe coupled to the second subpanel 112 b. In some embodiments, includingthe illustrated embodiment, the second subpanel 112 b and the fifthsubpanel 112 e may be smaller than the other subpanels (such as thefirst subpanel 112 a). For example, each of the subpanels may have thesame or similar width but the second subpanel 112 b and the fifthsubpanel 112 e may be shorter than the other subpanels. The illustratedsecond subpanel 112 b and fifth subpanel 112 e have a shorter heightthat allows a portion of the third segment 140 to extend above a topedge of both of the second subpanel 112 b and fifth subpanel 112 e butremain below a height of the first subpanel 112 a.

The panel 110 includes one or more windows 118 through which an interiorportion of the greeting card 101 in the folded position (i.e., closed)may be viewed. For example, a portion of the third segment 140 may beviewed in the first position when the greeting card 101 is folded.

When the greeting card 101 moves from its folded position (shown in FIG.8) to its unfolded position (shown in FIG. 9), such as when it isopened, the first segment 136 creates a moment arm about the fixed bend126. As described above, once the moment arm reaches a threshold toovercome the frictional resistance holding the flipping portion 130 inthe first position (shown in FIG. 8), the flipping portion 130 moves tothe second position (shown in FIG. 9). In the illustrated embodiment,one of the decorative portions 116 is coupled to the flipping portion130 at the second end 124 of each of the one or more flexible driveshafts 120. Hence, when the flipping portion 130 moves from the firstposition to the second position, each decorative portion 116 coupled toeach flipping portion 130 is mechanically moved. It should be noted thatthe flipping portion 130 can not only “flip”, but can also “slide.” Thisis accomplished by the flexible drive shafts 120 not only being flexed(like in the first embodiment), but by having the fixed bends 126.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-14, another embodiment of a greeting card 201making use of a flexible drive shaft of the present invention isillustrated. The greeting card 201 includes a panel 210, a flexibledrive shaft 220 having a flipping portion 230 coupled to a decorativeportion 216. This embodiment is similar to the above embodiments in thatit includes a panel 210 having multiple subpanels separated by folds.The panel 210 includes a first subpanel 212 a, a second subpanel 212 b,and a third subpanel 112 c. The first subpanel 212 a is separated fromthe second subpanel 212 b across the first fold 214 a. The thirdsubpanel 212 c is positioned adjacent the second subpanel 212 b andopposite the first subpanel 212 a. The third subpanel 212 c in theillustrated embodiment is positioned opposite the second subpanel 212 band across the second fold 214 b.

The flexible drive shaft 220 has a first end 222 opposite a second end224 and includes a plurality of segments between the first end 222 andthe second end 224. As shown in FIG. 14, the plurality of segmentsincludes a first segment 236, a second segment 238, and a third segment240. The first segment 236 extends from the first end 222 to a fixedbend 226. The second segment 238 extends from the first bend 226 to anopening in the third subpanel 212 c. One or more tabs 248 may couple theflexible drive shaft 220 to the panel 210. For example, the illustratedembodiment includes two tabs 248 that couple the second segment 238 ofthe flexible drive shaft 220 to the second subpanel 212 b. The thirdsegment 240 extends from the opening to the second end 224. The thirdsegment 240 may comprise the flipping portion 230. The flipping portion230 is configured to move between a first position and a second positionas the greeting card 201 moves from a folded position (shown in FIG. 12)to an unfolded position (shown in FIG. 13).

The flexible drive shaft 220 may be coupled to the panel 210 in a numberof different ways. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the firstsegment 236 is coupled to the first subpanel 212 a by a retaining panel232 having a pair of retaining panel openings 234. The first segment 236is threaded through the retaining panel openings 234 to hold the firstsegment 236 in position against the first subpanel 212 a. The retainingpanel 232 is coupled to the first subpanel 212 a. In an alternateembodiment, the retaining panel 232 may take the form of tape thatcovers the first segment 236 and holds it to the first subpanel 212 a.

The panel 210 has a first side 244 and a second side 246. Only the firstside 244 may be viewed when the greeting card 201 is in the foldedposition (FIG. 12). However, both the first side 244 and the second side246 may be viewed when the greeting card is in the unfolded position(shown in FIG. 13). In this embodiment, the flexible drive shaft 220 maynot be completely obscured from view when the greeting card 201 is inthe unfolded position. In other embodiments, a cover panel (not shown)may be added to hide the flexible drive shaft 220.

Referring now to FIGS. 15-18, another embodiment of a greeting card 301incorporating a flexible driveshaft of the present invention isdepicted. The greeting card 301 includes a panel 310, a first flexibledrive shaft 308, a second flexible drive shaft 320, and one or moredecorative portions 316 coupled to a flipping portion of the firstflexible drive shaft 308 and a flipping portion of the second flexibledrive shaft 320.

The panel 310 includes multiple subpanels as described above. The panel310 includes a first subpanel 312 a, a second subpanel 312 b, and athird subpanel 312 c, as illustrated in FIG. 16. The first subpanel 312a is separated from the second subpanel 312 b by a first fold 314 a. Thesecond subpanel 312 b and the third subpanel 312 c are separated by asecond fold 314 b. The first flexible drive shaft 308 and the secondflexible drive shaft 320 are positioned such that the portions of eachflexible drive shaft on the second subpanel 312 b side of the first fold314 a are between the second panel 312 b and the third subpanel 312 c.In other words, the third subpanel 312 c is folded over the secondsubpanel 312 b along the second fold 314 b to conceal portions of thefirst flexible drive shaft 308 and portions of the second flexibledriveshaft 320 there-between.

The first flexible drive shaft 308 may be constructed as substantiallydescribed above in reference to the flexible drive shaft 220 and includea flipping portion 309 coupled to the decorative portion 316. The secondflexible driveshaft 320 includes a first end 322 opposite a second end324. Both the first end 322 and the second end 324 of the secondflexible drive shaft 320 are positioned on the second panel 312 b sideof the first fold 314 a. In such aspect, the second flexible drive shaft320 may also include an intermediate arm 323 (FIG. 18), which may bepositioned on the first subpanel 312 a side of the first fold 314 a, asdescribed in more detail below.

The second flexible drive shaft 320 has a plurality of segmentsextending between the first end 322 and the second end 324. Theplurality of segments include a first segment 326, a second segment 330,a third segment 334, a fourth segment 340, a fifth segment 344, a sixthsegment 346, and a seventh segment 350. The first segment 326 extendsbetween the first end 322 and a slot opening 328 a. The second segment330 extends through the slot opening 328 a to a first apex 332 andreturns through the slot opening 328 a. The second segment 330 forms afirst flipping portion. The third segment 330 extends from the slotopening 328 a to a first fixed bend 336. The fourth segment 340 extendsfrom the first fixed bend 336 to a second fixed bend 338 and forms theintermediate arm 323. The first fixed bend 336 and the second fixed bend338 are positioned adjacent the first fold 314 a. The fourth segment 340extends on the first subpanel 312 a side of the first fold 314 a whilethe remaining plurality of segments extend on the second subpanel 312 bside of the first fold 314 a. The fourth segment 340 is coupled to thefirst subpanel 312 a at a coupling 342. The coupling 342 may comprisetape (as shown in FIG. 18). In some embodiments, the fourth segment 340may be twisted such is that the first fixed bend 336 and the secondfixed bend 338 may be positioned adjacent to one another.

The fifth segment 344 extends from the second fixed bend 338 to a secondslot opening 328 b. A tab formed in the second subpanel 312 b (asillustrated in FIG. 17) may be used to partially retain the fifthsegment 344 in position. The sixth segment 346 extends through thesecond slot opening 328 b to a second apex 348 and return from thesecond apex 348 back through the second slot opening 328 b. The sixthsegment 346 forms a second flipping portion. The seventh segment 350extends from the second slot opening 328 b to the second end 324.

In some aspects, the first segment 326 and the seventh segment 350 maybe substantially similar. In other aspects, the second segment 330 andthe sixth segment 346 may be substantially similar. In still otheraspects, the third segment 334 and the fifth segment 344 may besubstantially similar. In some aspects, the second flexible driveshaft320 may not have the first segment 326 or the seventh segment 350 andthe first end 322 and the second end 324 may not return through the slotopening 328 a and 328 b, respectively.

The decorative portion 316 of the greeting card 301 may compriseindividual moving portions, as illustrated in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, ormay comprise one unitary element similar to the decorative portion 16shown in FIG. 3. The decorative portion 316 may be coupled to the firstflexible drive shaft 308, the second flexible drive shaft 320, or thethird subpanel 312 c. In some embodiments, the decorative portion 316may be coupled to each of the first flexible drive shaft 308, the secondflexible drive shaft 320, and the third subpanel 312 c. The decorativeportion 316 may also be coupled to any combination thereof. Thedecorative portion 316 may be configured to move in response to theflipping portion 309 of the first flexible drive shaft 308 and the firstflipping portion and the second flipping portion (such as the secondsegment 330 and sixth segment 346) of the second flexible drive shaft320 moving between a first position associated with the greeting card301 being folded, as illustrated in FIG. 15, and a second positionassociated with the greeting card being unfolded as illustrated in FIG.16.

For example, the second segment 330 and the sixth segment 346 of thesecond flexible drive shaft 320 may be configured to move between thefirst position and the second position in response to the greeting card301 being opened. When the greeting card 301 is opened, a bending momentarm is applied from the fourth segment 340 of the second flexible driveshaft 320 about the first fixed bend 336 and the second fixed bend 338.The moment arm applied from the fourth segment 340 of the secondflexible drive shaft 320 increases as the greeting card is furtheropened. Once the moment arm increases to a point that it overcomes thefrictional forces holding the first, second, and third segments and thefifth, sixth, and seventh segments in position, the second flexibledrive shaft straightens out and/or rotates/twists. The straightening outand/or rotating/twisting of the free ends of the second flexible driveshaft results in the second segment 330 and the sixth segment 346 movingfrom their first position, as illustrated in FIG. 15, to their secondposition, as illustrated in FIG. 16.

In a variation of the flexible driveshaft of the present invention,which is made (in some embodiments) by having a permanent bend across afold and just a flex of the flexible driveshaft (i.e., it is notpermanently bent into a curve and would straighten if not held in acurved orientation by, for example, the tabs), a flexible slide shaftmay be created by putting a permanent curve in the portion of theflexible shaft that is the motion side of the arm. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 19, a greeting card 401 may include a panel 410having a fold 414 separating a first subpanel 412 a from a secondsubpanel 412 b, a flexible slide shaft 420 coupled to the panel 410, anda driven element 416 coupled to a portion of the flexible slide shaft420. In some aspects, the greeting card may also include one or moretabs 448 that may couple the flexible slide shaft 420 to the panel 410.In other aspects, the greeting card 401 may include a low-frictionsurface 430 across which a sliding end 422 of the flexible slide shaft420 may slide. The low-friction surface 430 may be integral to thegreeting card 401 or may be coupled to the greeting card 401. Forexample, a low-friction tape 432 may be secured to the panel 401.

The flexible slide shaft 420 may have a first end 424 opposite thesliding end 422 and a plurality of segments extending between the firstend 424 and the sliding end 422. For example, the plurality of segmentsmay include a first segment 426 extending from the first end 424 to afixed bend 428, a second segment 434 extending from the fixed bend 428to an opening 436 in the panel 410, and a third segment 438 extendingfrom the opening 436 to the sliding end 422.

Different from the flexible drive shaft discussed above, the flexibleslide shaft 420 may contain an extended bend 440. The extended bend 440,for example, may fix a curve in the flexible slide shaft 420. Hence, thesecond segment 434 and the third segment 438 may be curved when theflexible slide shaft 420 is in an unflexed position (i.e., they are notstraight at rest). The curve or extended bend 440 may be fixed in theflexible slide shaft 420 anywhere on the sliding end 422 side of thefixed bend 428. The extended bend 440 causes the sliding end 422 toslide along a surface 442 of the greeting card 401 in a generally smoothmotion instead of simply rotating in place, as would happen with theflexible driveshaft described above upon the moment arm of the flexibledriveshaft overcoming the frictional forces.

When the greeting card 401 is in the open or closed position, theextended bend 440 in the third segment 438 is in the rest position andthe extended bend 440 curves along the surface 442, as illustrated. Whenthe greeting card 401 is moved between the open and closed positions,the third segment 438 of the flexible slide shaft 420 is rotated causingthe extended bend 440 to move between curving toward the fold 414 in theopen position (as illustrated in solid lines) and curving away from thefold 414 in the closed position (as illustrated in dashed lines). Inbetween the open and closed positions, the curve is in varying stages offacing down toward the surface 442, which causes the extended bend ofthe flexible slide shaft 420 to be straightened.

The flexible slide shaft 420 may be coupled to the panel 410 such thatthe first segment 426 is positioned on the first subpanel 412 a side ofthe fold 414 and the second segment 434 and the third segment 438 arepositioned on the second subpanel 412 b side of the fold 414. The fixedbend 428 may be positioned adjacent the fold 414. Hence, when thegreeting card 401 is in the folded position, the flexible slide shaft420 may wrap around the panel 401 at the fold 414. Further, when thegreeting card 401 is in the unfolded position, the flexible slide shaft420 follows the panel 410. Accordingly, and similar to the flexibledrive shaft discussed above, when the greeting card 401 is opened, theflexible slide shaft 420 harnesses the work of opening the greeting card401 to move the sliding end 422 and the driven element 416. A moment armis created at the first segment 426 about the fixed bend 428 when thegreeting card 401 is opened, which in turn moves the sliding end 422from a first position to a second position. In one embodiment, a giftcard may be coupled to the sliding end 422 of the flexible slide shaft420. When the greeting card 401 is opened, the flexible slide shaft 420moves the gift card from near the fold 414 out away from the fold 414 ina sliding manner to “present” the gift card to the recipient.

Many variations can be made to the illustrated embodiments of thepresent invention without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. Such modifications are within the scope of the presentinvention. For example, in the illustrated embodiments the flexibledriveshaft is made of a spring steel music wire. Other material may beused for driveshaft or slide shaft. Additionally, various thicknesses ofthe driveshaft may be found beneficial for different motions. In someembodiments a spring steel music wire of 0.024″ outside diameter maywork best while a thicker or thinner wire or other material might workbetter in other embodiments. Similarly, while bends of certain diametersand angles have been illustrated, other bend angles and diameters may beused to achieve different movements of the flexible driveshaft and theflexible slide shaft.

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one welladapted to attain all ends and objects hereinabove set forth togetherwith the other advantages which are clear following the completedisclosure above and which are inherent to the methods and apparatusesdescribed herein. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference toother features and sub combinations. This is contemplated by and iswithin the scope of the invention and claims.

Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention withoutdeparting from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matterherein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to beinterpreted as illustrative of applications of the principles of thisinvention, and not in a limiting sense.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An article having mechanically actuatedmoving portions, the article comprising: a panel having at least a firstsubpanel and a second subpanel, the first subpanel and the secondsubpanel being separated by a fold in the panel; a flexible drive shafthaving a first end, a second end, and a flipping portion between thefirst end and the second end, the flexible drive shaft being coupled tothe panel such that the first end is positioned on the first subpanelside of the fold and the second end is positioned on the second subpanelside of the fold; the flipping portion of the flexible drive shaft isconfigured to move from a first position to a second position when thefirst and second subpanels are moved away from each other; and adecorative portion coupled to at least one of the second subpanel, theflipping portion, and the second end, the decorative portion configuredto move in response to the flipping portion moving from the firstposition to the second position.
 2. The article of claim 1, furthercomprising the panel having a third subpanel and a fourth subpanel, thethird subpanel being adjacent the second subpanel and being separatedfrom the second subpanel by a second fold, the fourth subpanel beingadjacent the third subpanel and being separated from the third subpanelby a third fold.
 3. The article of claim 2, wherein the second fold ispositioned in the center of the panel and wherein the one or moreflexible drive shafts are made of spring steel wire.
 4. The article ofclaim 3, wherein each of the first subpanel, the second subpanel, thethird subpanel, and the fourth subpanel have generally equal dimensions.5. The article of claim 1, further comprising the panel having a windowopening in one or more of the first subpanel and the second subpanel. 6.The article of claim 1, further comprising one or more openings formedin the second subpanel and the flexible drive shaft extending through atleast one of the one or more openings in the second subpanel.
 7. Thearticle of claim 1, further comprising: the panel having a first surfaceand a second surface, wherein the first end and the second end of theflexible drive shaft are positioned adjacent the first surface and theflipping portion is positioned adjacent the second surface.
 8. Thearticle of claim 1, further comprising: the panel having one or moreflexible drive shaft securing tabs.
 9. The article of claim 1, furthercomprising: a flexible drive shaft retaining panel, the flexible driveshaft retaining panel being affixed to the first subpanel and configuredto couple a portion of the flexible drive shaft to the first subpanel.10. The article of claim 9, wherein the flexible drive shaft retainingpanel includes at least two openings through which the flexible driveshaft is threaded.
 11. The article of claim 1, wherein the decorativeportion is affixed to the flipping portion and the second subpanel. 12.A flexible shaft for a foldable article having at least a first subpanelseparated from a second subpanel by a fold, the flexible shaftcomprising: a first end, a second end, a fixed bend in the flexibleshaft between the first end and the second end, and a plurality ofsegments between the first end and the second end; and the plurality ofsegments including at least: a first segment extending from the firstend to the fixed bend and configured to couple to the first subpanel;and a second segment extending from the fixed bend to the second end andconfigured to couple to the second subpanel, the fixed bend configuredto be positioned proximate the fold when the first segment is coupled tothe first subpanel and the second segment is coupled to the secondsubpanel.
 13. The flexible shaft of claim 12, further comprising: anextended bend fixed in the second segment such that the second segmentis curved when the flexible shaft is in an unflexed position, whereinthe extended bend causes the second end to slide across the secondsubpanel when the flexible shaft is coupled to the foldable article andthe foldable article is moved from a closed position to an openposition.
 14. The flexible shaft of claim 13, wherein the first segmentis straight when the flexible shaft is in the unflexed position.
 15. Theflexible shaft of claim 13, further comprising a driven element affixedto the second segment proximate the second end.
 16. A foldable articlehaving a motion component, the foldable article comprising: a panelfolded across a fold line to define a first subpanel and a secondsubpanel; and a flexible drive shaft having a first end, a second end,and at least three segments between the first end and the second end,the flexible drive shaft being coupled to the panel; the at least threesegments comprising a first end segment, a second end segment, and amiddle segment between the first end segment and the second end segment;a first fixed bend that separates the first end segment from the middlesegment; and a second fixed bend that separates the second end segmentfrom the middle segment; wherein the middle segment is positioned on thefirst subpanel side of the fold line and the first end segment and thesecond end segment are positioned on the second subpanel side of thefold line, wherein the first fixed bend and the second fixed bend arepositioned proximate the fold line.
 17. The foldable article of claim16, wherein the first end segment and the second end segment eachinclude a flipping portion that is configured to move from a firstposition to a second position in response to the panel moving from afolded position to an unfolded position.
 18. The foldable article ofclaim 16, wherein the middle segment is bent in half and twisted suchthat the first fixed bend and the second fixed bend are adjacent to oneanother.
 19. The foldable article of claim 16, further comprising: atleast one tab formed in the second subpanel and configured to couple oneof the first end segment and the second end segment to the secondsubpanel.
 20. The foldable article of claim 16, further comprising: adecorative portion coupled to at least one of the first end segment andthe second end segment, the decorative portion configured to move inresponse to the movement of the coupled segment.